Pens' Mario Lemieux out for the season

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Pittsburg Penguins superstar Mario Lemieux will not play again this season but has no intention of retiring.

The Penguins announced Tuesday their center will undergo surgery next week to repair chronic tendonitis of his left hip flexor.

The 38-year-old Lemieux has not played since Nov. 1. He has been resting and undergoing physical therapy for the past two months in the hope the injury would heal. However, doctors recommended surgery after an MRI test Tuesday revealed no significant change in his condition.

"I was optimistic that the injury would heal, and I was hoping to get back in the lineup and play with some of our very promising young players," Lemieux said. "It's disappointing that I won't have a chance to return to the ice this season, but I look forward to coming back next year."